Verulamians remain top of the London North West Three table but things are a lot tighter as they slumped to their second defeat in three games with a 46-8 loss at home to Welwyn.

Herts Advertiser: Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Josh Goddard in action for the Verulamians. Picture - Karyn Haddon.Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Josh Goddard in action for the Verulamians. Picture - Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

Grasshoppers are now level on points with Welwyn just two points further back.

Strength in depth remains but is being tested by injuries plus the absence of stalwarts Sam Allen and Mike Hollister who have gone abroad.

This loss wasn’t too much of a surprise but the extent and conclusiveness of it was.

The visitors fully deserved the win though Vees never gave up and scored a good try through Micky Seymour 10 minutes from time.

Herts Advertiser: Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Christian Sloan in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon.Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Christian Sloan in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

However, Welwyn were in command for the rest of the game, outgunning Vees in the forwards and mercilessly punishing forced errors.

They led 27-3 at the break and maintained their dominant forward play in the second period.

Vees resume their quest for promotion with a trip to Finchley on November 25.

Herts Advertiser: Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - The Verulamians prepare to start the match. Picture - Karyn Haddon.Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - The Verulamians prepare to start the match. Picture - Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)